3-1
Seating and safety restraints
SeatsSeat adjustment 3-2
Seat belts General information 3-3
Seat belt safety instructions 3-3
Using the seat belts 3-3
Seat belt reminder 3-4
Wearing seat belts during pregnancy 3-4
Seat belt tensioners 3-4
Caring for seat belts 3-4
Child seats and restraints 3-5
Airbag system General information 3-6
How the system works 3-6
Deployment effects 3-6
Obstruction of airbags 3-7
Airbag warning indicator 3-7
Airbag warning labels 3-7
Using child seats 3-7
Passenger airbag deactivation 3-7
Airbag service information 3-8
Roadster OHB.book Page 1 Thursday, October 2, 2008 8:59 AM
Seat belts
3-3
Seating and s afety restraints
Seat beltsGeneral information
WARNING: Seat belts should be worn
by all occupants, for every journey no
matter how short. Failure to do so greatly
increases the risk of death or serious injury in
the event of an accident.
S
It is an established fact that seat belts provide
good protection in accidents. Therefore
wearing a seat belt is required by law in most
states.
Both the driver and passenger seating
positions are equipped with three-point
inertia reel seat belts. Inertia reel belts are
tensioned automatically and allow freedom
of movement during normal driving
conditions.
The belt reel automatically locks, preventing
movement of occupants, whenever your
vehicle experiences the force associated with
hard acceleration, braking, cornering or on
impact in a collision. The reel may also lock
when driving on steep hills or slopes.Seat belt safety instructions
WARNING: Ensure that all seat belts are
worn correctly. An improperly worn
seat belt increases the risk of death or serious
injury in the event of a collision.
S
WARNING: Seat belts are designed to
bear upon the bony structure of the
body, and should be worn low across the
pelvis, over the shoulder and across the
chest. Avoid wearing the lap section of the
belt across the abdominal area.
S
WARNING: Always adjust the belt to
remove slack. Seat belts worn too loose
can result in injuries because they allow
excessive forward movement in an
accident.
S
WARNING: Do not wear seat belts over
hard, fragile or sharp items in clothing,
such as pens, keys, eyeglasses, etc. In an
impact, the pressure from the seat belt on
such items can cause them to break, which in
turn may cause serious injury.
S
WARNING: Seat belts should not be
worn with any part of the strap
twisted. SWA R N I N G : E a c h b e l t a s s e m b l y m u s t b e
used by only one occupant. It is
dangerous to put the belt around a child
being carried on an occupant’s lap.
S
WARNING: It is essential that seat belts
that have been worn in an accident are
replaced, even if damage to the assembly is
not obvious. The belt anchors must also be
checked.
S
WA R N I N G : C a r e m u s t b e t a k e n t o a v o i d
contaminating the seat belt webbing,
and seat belt mechanisms with any
chemicals, liquids, grit, dirt or cleaning
products. If a seat belt fails to retract or latch
into the buckle, it must be replaced
immediately.
S
WARNING: No modifications or
additions should be made that prevent
the seat belt mechanism from taking up slack, or that prevent the seat belt being
adjusted to remove slack. A slack belt greatly
reduces the level of occupant protection.
S
Using the seat beltsFastening the belt1. Ensure that the seat is correctly
positioned.
2. Take hold of the latch plate and pull it slowly across your chest and lap.
3. Insert the latch plate into the buckle and press down until you hear a “click” that
indicates it is securely locked into place.
4. Pull the belt to check that it is securely fastened.
5. Position the belt so that it is worn low across the front of the pelvis, and across
the chest and shoulder.TR0139
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Seat belts3-4
Seating and safety restraints
6. Pull the diagonal part of the belt towards the retractor to remove excess slack.Releasing the beltRelease the seat belts by pressing the red
button on the buckle. The belt retracts
automatically.Seat belt reminder
The seat belt warning indicator in the
instrument panel illuminates
whenever the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled.
Also, an audible sound will be heard for six
seconds if the starter switch is turned to the
ON position and the drivers seat belt is
unbuckled.
Wearing seat belts during
pregnancy
WARNING: Pregnant woman should
always wear seat belts to protect
themselves and th eir unborn child.
S
WARNING: Never place anything
between you and the seat belt to
cushion the impact in the event of an
accident.
S
The lap portion of the belt should be worn as
low as possible across the hips, not the waist.
Position the diagonal part of the belt
between the breasts and to the side of the
abdomen.
If you have any concerns about wearing seat
belts, contact your doctor.
Seat belt tensioners
WARNING: If the seat belt
pre-tensioners have been activated
once, they must be replaced. After any
accident, always have the airbags, seat belt
pre-tensioners and any associated
components checked and, if necessary,
replaced by Tesla Motors.
S
The seat belts are equipped with
pre-tensioners that activate in conjunction
with the airbags and provide additional
protection in the event of a severe frontal
impact on your vehicle.
The pre-tensioners automatically retract the
seat belt buckle, reducing any slack in both
the lap and diagonal portions of the belts,
resulting in reduced forward movement of
the occupant. Following an accident in which the
pre-tensioners have been activated, the seat
belts continue to function as restraints and
must be worn if you drive your vehicle.
Caring for seat belts
WARNING: Regularly check the
condition of both belts. Replace seat
belts if you notice any damage to the belt
webbing, fittings, retractor mechanisms or
buckles. S
Three tests for checking seat belts:
1. With the seat belt fastened, give the webbing nearest the buckle a quick pull.
The buckle should remain securely
locked.
2. With the belt unfastened, unreel the webbing to its limit. Check that unreeling
is free from snags and visually check the
webbing for wear. Allow the webbing to
retract, checking that retraction is
smooth and complete.
3. With the webbing half unreeled, hold the tongue plate and pull forward quickly.
The mechanism must lock automatically
and prevent further unreeling.
If a seat belt fails any of these tests, contact
Tesla Motors immediately.
For seat belt cleaning information, see Seat
belts, page 9-8 .
TR0140
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Seat belts
3-5
Seating and s afety restraints
Child seats and restraintsCurrently, child seats and restraints are not
approved for use in your vehicle. Until these
are available, Tesla Motors strongly
recommends that children are not carried as
passengers in your vehicle.
WARNING: The seat belts fitted to your
vehicle are designed to secure adult
sized passengers only.
S
WA R N I N G : C h i l d r e n under age 12 and
those weighing less than 80 lb (36 kg)
are not of sufficient size to be carried safely
wearing a standard seat belt of the type
fitted to your vehicle.
S
WARNING: It is dangerous for children
to travel in any type of vehicle without
being restrained by a harness, child seat, or
restraint system suitable for both their age
and size.
S
WARNING: Never let a passenger hold a
child on his or her lap while your vehicle
is moving. The passenger cannot protect the
child from injury in a collision.
S
Roadster OHB.book Page 5 Th ursday, October 2, 2008 8:59 AM
Airbag system
3-7
Seating and s afety restraints
After inflation, the airbags will deflate to
provide a gradual cushioning effect for the
occupants and to ensure the driver's forward
vision is not obscured.
If the airbags have been deployed, always
have the airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners and
any associated components checked and, if
necessary, replaced by Tesla Motors.
After any accident, always have the airbags,
seat belt pre-tensioners and any associated
components checked and, if necessary,
replaced by Tesla Motors.Obstruction of airbags
WARNING: Do not allow passengers to
obstruct the operation of the airbags
by placing feet, knees or any other part of the
body, or any other objects in contact with, or
in close proximity to, an airbag module.
S
WARNING: Do not attach or position
items on an airbag cover which could
interfere with the inflation of the airbag or be
propelled inside your vehicle and injure
occupants.
S
Airbag warning indicator
A warning indicator in the instrument
panel alerts you of any malfunction of
the airbag system.
The components of the system being
monitored include: the airbag modules, the
seat belt pre-tensioners, the airbag control
unit and the airbag wiring harness.
When the starter switch is turned to the ON
position, the airbag control unit monitors the
readiness of the system’s electrical circuits.
Contact Tesla Motors if:
• The warning indicator fails to illuminate
when the starter switch is turned to the
ON position.
• The warning indicator fails to extinguish
within approximately six seconds after
the starter switch is turned to the ON
position.
• The warning indicator illuminates while
your vehicle is being driven.
Airbag warning labels
WARNING: Extreme hazard! Do not use
a rearward facing child restraint on a
seat protected by an airbag in front of it.
Doing so increases the risk of death or
serious injury when the airbag deploys.
S
Airbag warning information is printed on the
driver’s and passenger’s sun visor.Using child seats
WARNING: Currently, child seats and
restraints are not approved for use in
your vehicle. Until these are available, Tesla
Motors strongly recommends that children
are not carried as passengers in your vehicle,
and that you do not fit any type of child seat
into your vehicle. Death or serious injury may
occur if the child is too close to the
dashboard when the airbag inflates.
S
Passenger airbag deactivation
WARNING: Your vehicle is fitted with an
airbag system that has no provision for
switching off or deactivating the passenger
airbag. S
!WARNING
DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY can occurChildren 12 and under can be killed by the airbagNEVER put a rear facing child seat in the frontSit as far back as possible from the air bagALWAYS use SEAT BELTS and CHILD RESTRAINTS
TR0138
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Index
AAccessing your vehicle.................................... 4-2
Accessory power socket .................................7-7
Air conditioning.................................................. 7-4
Air distribution .................................................... 7-4
Air recirculation .................................................. 7-4
Air vents .................................................................7-5
AirbagsDeactivation ..................................................3-7
Deployment effects ................................... 3-6
Disposal information ................................. 3-8
General information .................................. 3-6
Obstruction of air bags .............................3-7
Safety information ..................................... 3-6
Service information ................................... 3-8
Warning indicator .......................................3-7
Warning labels..............................................3-7
Warnings ....................................................... 3-6
Alarm system Indicator light .............................................. 4-7
Operation ...................................................... 4-7
PIN code ........................................................ 4-8
Switching off ................................................ 4-7
Ammeter display................................................ 6-11
Antifreeze .................................................. 9-5, 11-14
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ................. 6-5
Anti-theft alarm .................................................. 4-7
Audio system ....................................................... 8-1BBattery ....................................................................5-2 Coolant ........................................................... 9-5
Environmental Note ...................................5-2
Fluid check and top-up ............................ 9-5
Preserving ..................................................... 5-3
Range .............................................................. 6-3
Specifications............................................. 11-19 Battery Life
Overview ........................................................ 5-2
Body Cleaning ......................................................... 9-7
Covering......................................................... 9-8
Polishing ......................................................... 9-8
Removing tar spots ................................... 9-7
Repairs ............................................................ 9-8
Brake warning indicator .................................. 6-5
Brake warning indicator light .......................6-12
Brakes Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)......... 6-5
Emergency braking ................................... 6-6
Fluid specification .................................... 11-14
Fluid top-up .................................................. 9-4
Foot brake ..................................................... 6-5
Parking brake ............................................... 6-5
Regenerative braking................................ 6-5
Specifications ............................................. 11-18
Breakdown recovery ..................................... 10-13
Bulb replacement............................................. 10-9
Bulb specifications .......................................... 10-9
CCalifornia Proposition 65 ................................. 1-2
Car covers ............................................................. 9-8
Car washes ........................................................... 9-7
Cargo capacity.................................................... 11-7
Central door locking ......................................... 4-4
Chains ................................................................... 11-10
Change of ownership ........................................ 1-2
Charge level display.........................................6-12
Charging Charge level .................................................. 5-2
Charge settings ........................................... 5-4
Charge types ................................................ 5-4
Cost .................................................................. 5-5
Current limit.................................................. 5-4 High Power Connector ............................. 5-6
Performance setting .................................. 5-4
Range setting ............................................... 5-4
Standard setting ......................................... 5-4
Storage setting ............................................ 5-4
Storing your vehicle................................... 5-3
Charging indicator light ................................. 6-12
Charging port ...................................................... 5-6
Child passengers ................................................ 3-5
Child restraints .................................................... 3-5
Child seat air bag hazard ................................ 3-7
Child seats............................................................. 3-5
Cleaning Exterior ........................................................... 9-7
Interior............................................................. 9-8
Removing tar ................................................ 9-7
Roof.................................................................. 9-7
Underbody .................................................... 9-7
Wheels ............................................................ 9-8
Windshield, windows and mirrors ........ 9-8
Wiper blades ................................................ 9-8
Climate control.................................................... 7-4
Contacting NHTSA ............................................. 1-4
Coolant Battery ............................................................ 9-5
Specification ............................................... 11-14
Cost of charging ................................................. 5-5
Covering the vehicle ......................................... 9-8
Cruise control ...................................................... 6-9
Cruise control indicator lig ht ....................... 6-12
Cup holder ............................................................ 7-8
Current limit ......................................................... 5-4
DDashboard overview ......................................... 2-5
Data recording ..................................................... 1-2
Defrosting ............................................................. 7-5
Dimensions ......................................................... 11-15
Roadster OHB.book Page 1 Th ursday, October 2, 2008 8:59 AM
Index
Locking your vehicle ........................................ 4-2
Low tire pressure indicator light ................ 6-12
Lumbar support...................................................3-2MMaintenanceBrake fluid ..................................................... 9-4
Cleaning the exterior ................................ 9-7
Cleaning the interior ................................. 9-8
Daily checks.................................................. 9-2
Fluids ............................................................... 9-4
Owner maintenance .................................. 9-2
Paint repair ................................................... 9-8
Removing tar ............................................... 9-7
Routine maintenance ................................ 9-2
Service internal indicator ........................ 9-2
Underbody .................................................... 9-7
Washer fluid ................................................. 9-5
Washer jets ................................................... 9-6
Weekly checks............................................. 9-2
Windshield wiper........................................ 9-6
Master door locking switch............................ 4-4
Mileage................................................................... 6-3
Mirrors .....................................................................7-3
Modifying your vehicle ......................................1-2
Motor specifications ........................................11-17NNavigation system.............................................. 8-1
NHTSA .................................................................... 1-4OOdometer display ............................................. 6-12
Opening the doors Inside the vehicle........................................ 4-4
Outside the vehicle .................................... 4-4
Ownership change ..............................................1-2
PPaint code ............................................................. 11-2
Paint damage....................................................... 9-8
Parking brake ...................................................... 6-5
Passenger airbag deactivation ..................... 3-7
Performance charge setting .......................... 5-4
PIN code ................................................................ 4-8
PIN lock ................................................................ 4-10
Polishing the bodywork................................... 9-8
Power socket ....................................................... 7-7
Power windows .................................................. 7-2
Pressure washers ............................................... 9-7
Programming the key fob .............................. 4-3
Proposition 65 ...................................................... 1-2RRaising the vehicle........................................... 10-11
Range charge setting ....................................... 5-4
Rear suspension specifications .................. 11-18
Rear view mirrors............................................... 7-3
Recovery eye ....................................................10-14
Regenerative braking ....................................... 6-5
Regenerative braking visual display ...........6-11
Removing the hard-top ..................................7-14
Replacement bulbs.......................................... 10-9
Reporting safety defects ................................. 1-4
Roof Hard-top........................................................ 7-13
Soft-top .......................................................... 7-11SSafety compliance certification label......... 11-3
Safety defects ...................................................... 1-4
Safety instructionsChild seats ............................................ 3-5, 3-7
Jacking the vehicle .................................. 10-11
Lifting the vehicle .................................... 10-12 Obstruction of airbags.............................. 3-7
Seat belts ....................................................... 3-3
Tire repair .................................................... 10-4
Wearing seat belts when pregnant ..... 3-4
Windows ........................................................ 7-2
Seat belts Care .................................................................. 3-4
Cleaning.......................................................... 9-8
General information ................................... 3-3
Pre-tensioners .............................................. 3-4
Reminder............................................. 3-4, 6-12
Safety instructions ..................................... 3-3
Testing ............................................................ 3-4
Wearing .......................................................... 3-3
Wearing when pregnant .......................... 3-4
Seat heater controls.......................................... 7-4
Seat heaters ......................................................... 7-6
Seats Adjustment.................................................... 3-2
Child seats and restraints ........................ 3-5
Lumbar support........................................... 3-2
Security .................................................................. 4-7
Security code .......................................................4-8
Service data recording...................................... 1-2
Soft top Installing ....................................................... 7-10
Removing .......................................................7-11
Specifications Antifreeze .................................................... 11-14
Battery .......................................................... 11-19
Brake fluid.................................................... 11-14
Brakes............................................................ 11-18
Coolant ......................................................... 11-14
Electrical....................................................... 11-19
Fluids ............................................................. 11-14
Front suspension ...................................... 11-18
Motor ............................................................. 11-17
Rear suspension ........................................ 11-18
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